The 2012 Acura TL upgrade is a little show, a little go. Underneath the exterior changes the TL sports a new six-speed automatic transmission that delivers more miles per gallon. The TL is still available in base and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive trim levels, and a new Advance Package has been added to the option list.

There's more sport in the 2009 Acura TL thanks to an available 305-horsepower V6, a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, and an automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A redesigned chassis provides a safer and quieter ride, while new interior features take some of the sting out of long drives.

The 2014 TL is Acura's entry in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, where it competes with vehicles such as the BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, Audi A6 and Cadillac CTS. Compared to most of its rivals, the TL has a much lower starting price but more polarizing exterior design. Acura enthusiasts have grown to either like the TL's skin or see the beauty beneath it, where lies a strong V6 engine and an available all-wheel-drive system that offers excellent grip. The Acura TL has a strong reliability record and a good dose of performance with its premium ride quality, but with no rear-drive model in the lineup, driving purists my overlook the Acura in favor of a BMW, Infiniti or Cadillac.

"This is my first Acura. I had an Avalon that I had to replace do to a accident. I drove a 2013 Lexus ES 350, a 2012 Avalon and a couple of other. Then I drove a front wheel drive TL and was ready to purchase. My 34 year old son advised me to drive the AWD model before I made the purchase. He said it was fun to drive and his favorite car to drive. I test drove the front wheel drive again and then drove the SH AWD TL. Amazing the difference in the handling and performance between the front wheel drive TL and the SH AWD TL model. I was use to the soft ride of the Avalon so this was a big change with the SH AWD package. I have driven this car for 4,000 miles in rain, heavy traffic and on open curvy roads and really enjoy the handling and power. Road noise on grooved roads can be annoying and the trunk could be a little larger. At first I did not know if I could get use to the very firm ride of the SH AWD package but now I have adjusted to the ride I just love the car. The Advanced package is great with the blind spot indicators in freeway traffic. Control on wet roads is amazing. Gas mileage has been less than expected but now is improving, averaging 25.4 in mixed driving. Great car for the money and it is fun to drive. Best value of all the other vehicles I drove. Glad I purchased the TL. No problems with the vehicle so far and several in my office have had Acura’s and all have bragged about the quality and durability of the brand."

"I have only recently bought the 2013 TL (SH-AWD 6M). So my views are more like initial impressions. It is less fun to drive than my previous car (two Infiniti G's over the past 10 years) -- so I would not say it is a genuine sports sedan. The manual transmission, clutch, and steering are all very good, however they do not communicate road feel as well as the best sport sedans do. On the other hand, the Acura is a very refined car, quiet and very competent. It comes loaded with luxury and technology, but still retains a taut suspension and compliant ride. It is unique in its class -- combining sport suspension, manual transmission, all-wheel-drive, and luxury/technology at an unbeatable price."

AWESOME CAR!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

9/10

Comfort

7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 4th Acura TL, 1st with AWD. Not just any AWD but SH-AWD, otherwise known as Torque Vectoring AWD. Once you experience the driving dynamics of this, coupled with its 305 horsepower, its hard to understand why they haven't sold many, many more of these. Performance is unmatched at this price point. You'd need to spend at least $10,000 more to get anywhere close."